AboutRichard Taylor Expertise I am able to answer most special education question. I can answer questions about IEP's, time lines, educational needs, special education problems with districts, teachers, other students. I can answer questions regarding proper programs and educational practices. I am comfortable answering a variety of questions in relation to, not only special education, but education in general.
Experience I have experience in special education, general education, with specific experience with all forms of special needs, administration, parent concerns and student educational needs and programs.
Education/Credentials I have a Masters in Special Education and an undergraduate degree in Business with a minor in Religious Studies.
Awards and Honors Leadership awards from various organizations including my Alma Matter and schools.
Question Hi,
I am the mom of a wonderful 8 year old boy. From day one we always knew there were "issues" with him we would face as he got older but we really though it would be fairly easy to get him help. I do have a 15 year old son with Asperger's, social anxiety, and mood disorder, so I am fairly familiar with the whole process. Unfortunately my 8 year old has not been able to receive any real help so far and is beginning to hate school.
I would LIKE to see him in a special ed class, receive speech, OT, and counseling at school with a plan for transitioning him from home to school. Now I will explain his diagnoses and please tell me if I am being unreasonable in what I would like to see him receive.
He was evaluated by the school at 3.5 years old I was told he was over 1.5 years behind in speech, and fine motor skills. He was delayed in gross motors skills, and developmentally. I was also told at that time he had severe issues with Sensory Integration disorder. He began receiving speech and OT at home due to separation anxiety.
Now, kindergarten went better than we though (with him still getting speech and ot and he was covered under an IEP for speech) and also a wonderful caring teacher.Once in first grade, it started going down hill he was falling behind his class and started avoiding school. He was also declassified at the end of first grade and I was told he no longer qualified for any services. Now at the end of second grade he is about a year behind in reading and writing, he hates school with a passion has threatened to throw himself down the stairs to break his arm just to avoid going to school, me and my husband have both injured ourselves trying to get him to school. We have had many "tardy" days because of the struggle to get him out the door.
During first grade he was diagnosed with Generalize anxiety disorder, OCD and ADHD. He is currently taking medication for anxiety (a fairly high dose for his age).
I had to fight to get him an auditory processing test done, and surprise, he has some major auditory and visual processing problems as well.
The school's stance is that, because of the frequent tardys that is why he is so behind academically and they are refusing to acknowledge his anxiety as the culprit,(even though we had his psychologist come to the school and explain it to them). My view is that school is too difficult, he is not receiving any help academically and therefore increasing his anxiety. When he was taken to have the auditory processing test done, they asked my why he was not receiving speech anymore, because he only scored in the 9th percentile.
I just don't understand how he can have all these different diagnoses and still not be eligible for any help in school.
I just want to make school more tolerable for him, in the hope that it will decrease his anxiety and he can not only learn, but enjoy it as well.
Thank you for any input.
Answer Let me first start with the little known fact that school is not for everyone. In recent years the increase in home schools has risen dramatically. More parents are learning that the "schools" are not the best places for educating their children.
Most parents, however do not have the time nor the resources to pursue this type of program and are forced to attend the local school.
With that being said, I am surprised at the school not providing services to your son. There is one item within the testing that should be looked at in relation to your sons eligibility and that is the IQ sections. It is within these that show your son's academic abilities and it is these tests that show his eligibility, within academic parameters.
If he scored within the normal range, then he would not be eligible. This is perhaps what the school is looking at. I would suggest that beyond the tests the school performed to get your own outside evaluation. Have him evaluated by a psychologist who specializes in social anxiety, OCD, ADHD etc.... You can then take his evaluation results to the school and convene an IEP to discuss eligibility.
If the school fails to approve your son for services,(depending if your son does indeed fall within the areas of need) then you're next step is to hire an advocate and try to force the school that way. You may have to file suit as well and if you win the school will have to reimburse your time and money.
The reason I mentioned the above option of home schooling, or even a local charter school, private school is because of the expense and futility of fighting for something that you could do on your own.
These are difficult decisions to make and only you can make them. Please, when choosing a psychologist, chose wisely.
Also, you may want your family doctor to also recommend placement as well. He could diagnose specific disabilities that the school would have to consider seriously.
